Sambalpur: A 14-year-old girl has been reported missing after she allegedly jumped into the Mahanadi River from Chanurpur Bridge in Sambalpur town late last night. According to police, the incident occurred at around 10:45 pm on Saturday night.
The girl is a resident of Mayabagicha under Dhanupali police station limits.After receiving information, the fire brigade team reached the spot and began a search operation. However, due to high water flow in the river and dense darkness, no trace of the girl was found. The search operation resumed this morning and is continuing.
Town police have detained one person in connection with the incident for questioning. According to relative Neelima Malik, the girl had left home at around 8:30 pm saying she was going to a relative’s house. She alleged that the girl came to the Mahanadi Second Bridge on a bike with a young man named Sarfaraz from near the Rotary Club.
After reaching the bridge, she reportedly jumped into the river for reasons yet to be ascertained. Police said that before jumping, the girl spoke to a neighbor over phone and informed her about her intent. The neighbor has also been questioned by police.
On receiving information, Additional SP Shrimanta Barik, SDPO Toofan Bagh and Town Police Station officials reached the spot and began an investigation. The boyfriend, identified as Sarfaraz, has been detained by police. The girl’s parents reached the bridge and a mournful atmosphere prevailed at the site.
It has been revealed that the minor girl had appeared for the matriculation examination this year. Police also said that in another incident on Saturday morning, a woman attempted suicide by jumping into the Mahanadi from the same bridge but was stopped by locals and handed over to police.
